HO CHI MINH, Vietnam : Japan's Kodai Ichihara set the pace in the opening round at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters here on Thursday, nailing a seven-under-par 65 for a narrow one-stroke lead.

Ichihara, who was the 1999 World Junior champion, blasted nine birdies against two bogeys for the sole lead at the Vietnam Golf and Country Club.

Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang shot a hole-in-one on the way to a 66 to lie in a tie for second place alongside Australia's Scott Barr and Korea's Pyo Suk-min in the 500,000-dollar Asian Tour event.

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee posted a 67 and was in the mix in fifth place together with American Anthony Kang, Young Nam of Korea, India's Digvijay Singh, Filipino Artemio Murakami and Welshman Rhys Davies.

Ichihara, with 12 wins on the mini local circuit, said: "This is my best score on the Asian Tour. I am really pleased.

"The last time I led the opening round was at the Philippine Open so this time around, I hope to lead all the way," said the Japanese golfer ranked 67th on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit.

"I need to get inside the top-65 to secure my card for next season so with that in mind, it has motivated me to push hard this week. My putting was good and I hope to play equally well tomorrow," said the 26-year-old Tokyo-based player.

Defending champion Chapchai Nirat endured a slow start after a 75 and was in a tie in 90th spot.

- AFP /ls